Chapter 2, Part 1 Summary

Yakov is awed by Kiev. It is much grander and vibrant than his old shtetl. When he first arrives, he hides in the Jewish quarter and wanders the streets marveling at the colors and sights. Yakov is proud of his artistic appreciation of beauty, even though it adds nothing to his financial situation. Yakov is homesick, but will not return to his village. Desperately afraid of being discovered as a Jew, he speaks only in Russian and attends church, learning the customs of the people of Kiev.

Chapter 2, Part 1 Analysis

The visual descriptions in this section really emphasize the difference between Kiev and Yakov's village. The dreary browns are replaced with gold and vibrant descriptors. Even the elaborate church where Yakov lurks uneasily is described beautifully. In this chapter, Kiev is set up as a place pulsing with energy.